Sanitization and cleaning system for objects

ABSTRACT

An apparatus may include one or more light components that are configured to emit light to sanitize and disinfect one or more objects included within the apparatus. The apparatus may have an interior cavity at which the light components are located, where the interior cavity is accessible via one or more doors, an opening, a lid, etc. The apparatus may have a conveyor that transports objects from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus, where the objects are sanitized during transport. The apparatus may be transitioned from an expanded configuration to an unexpanded/collapsed configuration, and vice versa. The apparatus may be stationary or include wheels or other mechanisms that allow the apparatus to be moved between different locations. Objects that are sanitized by the light components of the apparatus will be free of pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, etc.) that are potentially harmful to humans.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of, and claims priority to, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/573,617 filed on Jan. 11, 2022, which is acontinuation-in-part application of, and claims priority to, co-pending,commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/368,423 filed on Mar.28, 2019, each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety byreference.

BACKGROUND

On a daily basis, people physically contact, without protection,potentially contaminated objects. Objects may include door handles,tables, rails, benches, shopping carts, and the like. In addition, someretail and non-retail environments may assist in contaminating variousobjects contained within their respective environments. For instance,medical facilities (e.g., hospitals) and food preparation facilities(e.g., grocery stores or restaurants), as a by-product of theiroperation, may contribute to the contamination of objects. Further,sensitive environments may need to be sanitized by virtue of theirrelationship to the public. For instance, medical facilities and foodpreparation environments need to be regularly cleaned and sanitized topreserve public health and to reduce the number of pathogens and illnesscausing agents that may be exposed to patents and customers. It is alsoimportant for these environments, and their associated institutions andbusinesses, to satisfy present, and potentially future, legal andregulatory standards relating to public health and safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentify the figure in which the reference number first appears. The useof the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar oridentical items or features.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that includesmultiple structures to facilitate sanitization of one or more objects.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that includes atunnel that at least partially encloses multiple structures thatfacilitate sanitization of one or more objects.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that includes asanitization structure to facilitate application of a sanitizing agentto one or more objects.

FIG. 4 a is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that includesa frame and a base of a structure that facilitates sanitization of oneor more objects.

FIG. 4 b is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that includesat least a reservoir, a filter, and a sanitizing agent tube with respectto a sanitization structure.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that includes adrying structure to facilitate application of a gas current to one ormore objects.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that includes anultraviolet (UV) light structure to facilitate application of UV lightto one or more objects.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that includes aUV curtain structure to facilitate blocking UV light applied by a UVlight structure.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for sanitizingone or more objects.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that uses lightto sanitize and/or disinfect an object, where the illustrative systemincludes one or more doors in a closed configuration.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 9 , where the one or more doors are in an open configuration.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 9 that illustrates a view different than that depicted in FIG. 10 ,where the one or more doors are in the open configuration.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that uses lightto sanitize and/or disinfect an object, where the illustrative systemincludes a first opening, a second opening, and a conveyor to transportthe object between the first opening and the second opening.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 12 , where the housing of the illustrative system has been removedto show the interior of the illustrative system.

FIG. 14 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that uses lightto sanitize and/or disinfect an object, where the illustrative system isin an expanded state and is in a closed configuration.

FIG. 15 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that includes astructure and multiple lighting components that are used to sanitize ordisinfect an object placed within the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 14 , where the illustrative system is in an expanded state.

FIG. 16 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 14 , wherein a lid/cover of the illustrated system is in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 17 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 16 , wherein the illustrative system is shown from a differentviewpoint and depicts the illustrative system depicted in FIG. 15 withinan interior cavity of the illustrative system.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 14 , where the illustrative system is in a collapsed/unexpandedstate and is in the closed configuration.

FIG. 19 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 15 , where the illustrative system is in a collapsed/unexpandedstate.

FIG. 20 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system depicted inFIG. 18 , where the illustrative system is in the collapsed/unexpandedstate and the lid/cover is in an open configuration.

FIG. 21 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative system that uses lightto sanitize and/or disinfect an object, where the illustrative systemincludes two doors that open and close to insert and remove the objectand where the two doors are in a closed configuration.

FIG. 22 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 21 , where the doors are in an open configuration.

FIG. 23 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 21 , where the doors are in the open configuration and theillustrative system is shown from a different viewpoint as compared toFIG. 22 .

FIG. 24 is a pictorial diagram of the illustrative system depicted inFIG. 21 , where the housing has been removed to show an interior cavityof the illustrative system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the context of public health and safety, people in public and privatespaces encounter microorganisms on a daily basis. Some of thesemicroorganisms may be harmful to people. A pathogen (i.e., a germ) maybe any type of microorganism that may cause or produce a disease orillness. E. coli (i.e., a pathogenic bacteria) may cause at least foodpoisoning that is harmful to humans. In addition, instances of E. coliwith respect to food products frequently cause recalls of those foodproducts due to potential food contamination. A recall, such as arequest from a store, a manufacturer, or a producer to return acontaminated product, may cause costly disruptions in the business. Inparticular, a physical environment (e.g., a retail store, a grocerystore, or a medical facility) may have a steady flow of peoplephysically interacting with objects (e.g., door handles or shoppingcarts) during their hours of operation and, therefore, may besusceptible to harboring harmful pathogens. For instance, foodpreparation businesses including restaurants and delis may be vulnerableto harboring E. coli due to the nature of their business handling rawand uncooked food. Therefore, to protect the health of safety ofcustomers, it may be necessary to ensure the sanitization of objectsthat may be in physical contact with consumers, customers, employees,etc. In addition, limiting the exposure of potentially harmful pathogensmay benefit businesses by avoiding the consequences of harboringpotentially harmful pathogens (e.g., avoiding recalls).

With respect to the sanitization of physical objects, there is a needfor techniques, including processes and apparatuses, that facilitateefficient, high-quality, and reliable sanitization of physical objects.In particular, physical objects, which may be interchangeably referredto as “objects” or “items” herein, may be located within a physicalenvironment (e.g., a grocery store). These objects (e.g., shoppingcarts, hospital beds, wheelchairs, etc.) may be accessible for physicalcontact by customers and/or employees. Because these objects arephysically handled by customers and/or employees during the course ofbusiness, and since these objects may be in physical contact with fooditems (e.g., raw chicken, unclean produce, etc.), human waste (e.g.,feces, urine, vomit, etc.) or other bodily fluids (e.g., saliva, blood,etc.), etc., there is a need to sanitize the objects regularly to guardagainst potentially harmful pathogens that attach to the objects. Forinstance, a shopping cart may be physically interacted with by multiplecustomers during the course of a single day. If the shopping cart wereto be harboring a harmful pathogen, each of the multiple customers thathandled the shopping may be unwittingly exposed to the harmful pathogen.

Traditional techniques to clean shopping carts for use in a grocerystore may include pressure washing or using a towel or scrub brush towipe down the shopping cart. However, these techniques often neglecteliminating sanitation threats at a microbial level. Further, thesetechniques may result in wear and tear of an object because they requireeither physically dislodging contaminants under high pressure (e.g., apressure of 750 to 30,000 pounds per square inch (PSI)) or physicallytouching the object.

In addition, there is a need for efficient, high-quality, and reliableresults sanitizing multiple objects at a single time or consecutively.In a physical environment, (e.g., a grocery store), there may beadditional challenges with implementing sanitization techniques forobjects (e.g., shopping carts). For instance, a grocery store may have adesignated area for cleaning various equipment. This designated area maybe a confined and/or limited in area (e.g., limited as to a quantity ofsquare feet). Therefore, there is a need to develop at least a system,and associated processes, that can operate in an area having a limitedamount of space. In light of area related limitations, traditionaltechniques have included placing a shopping cart in a container, closinga door or bringing down a lid over the container, and starting acleaning cycle similar to a dish washing machine type technique.However, these techniques may be time-consuming and do not allow formultiple objects (e.g., stacked shopping carts) to be run through thecleaning process efficiently. In addition, these traditional techniquesdo not allow for multiple and/or different sanitization techniques to beapplied to a single object. As described herein, the systems andprocesses described herein describe the application of a sanitizingagent (e.g., a chemical solution) and ultraviolet (UV) light to anobject. Existing systems are unable to accommodate multiple disinfectingtechniques. Other existing techniques may include wiping the object offusing a cleaning tool (e.g., a towel or a scrubbing brush) or pressurewashing the object. However, these techniques may be time consuming andmay be inefficient for cleaning multiple objects, either at a singletime or consecutively. Further, these techniques may not reliablyproduce a consistent sanitization quality as the cleanliness of thecleaning object and/or the manual effort used to sanitize the object mayvary. In addition, traditional techniques may result in wear and tear onthe object as they require physical interaction with the object.

The systems and techniques described herein address the above challengeswith respect to cleaning and sanitizing objects. For instance, thesystems and techniques herein describe an efficient and repeatableapparatus and process to sanitize an object (or multiple objects). Inaddition, the systems and techniques herein describe a system that maybe used to sanitize multiple objects efficiently and in a timely manner.Further, the systems and techniques herein also include sanitizingobjects via an automated or a partially-automated process. These systemsand techniques describe a primarily touchless process to sanitize anobject in order to reduce wear and tear and/or damage to the object thatcould potentially occur as a result of the sanitization process. Thetechniques as described herein are suitable for a number of physicalenvironments including at least grocery stores (or other physical storeswhere shopping carts are used), locations where raw or uncooked foodproducts are handled, processed, and/or prepared (e.g., restaurants,food processing locations, etc.), and medical facilities (e.g.,hospitals, medical clinics, etc.).

The techniques described herein are directed to a sanitization system.In some embodiments, the sanitization system may include a sanitizationstructure, a drying structure, an ultraviolet (UV) light structure,and/or a UV curtain structure. The various structures may be axiallyaligned such that an object (e.g., a shopping cart, a hospital bed, atable used to process/prepare food products, etc.) may be received by afirst structure (e.g., the sanitization structure or the UV lightstructure) at an entrance side (i.e., a first side). For instance, thefirst structure may be an arch or an arch frame (or any other shape,such as rectangular, circular, etc.) with a space with a width (e.g., aspan) underneath a horizontal beam or curved arch. The first structuremay receive the shopping cart in this space. The shopping cart may thenexit the sanitization system at an exit side (i.e., a second side) of asecond structure (e.g., the drying structure, the UV light structure, orthe UV curtain structure). The sanitization structure, the dryingstructure, the UV light structure, and/or the UV curtain structure maybe permanently or removably fastened/coupled to the ground and/or asurface (e.g., a platform and/or a ramp). However, the structuresdescribed herein may also be mobile in nature, and may be moved in anydirection using wheels, rollers, a slider, etc. In some instances, an“entrance” or “enter” sign may be coupled on an entrance side of one ormore of the sanitization structure, the drying structure, the UV lightstructure, or the UV curtain structure. In addition, an “exit” sign maybe coupled to an exit side of one or more of the sanitization structure,the drying structure, the UV light structure, or the UV curtainstructure. That way, an individual that is facilitating the sanitizationof the object(s) may determine an entrance point of the sanitizationsystem.

In various embodiments, the shopping cart may move or may be moved adistance spanning from the entrance side (e.g., an entrance side of thesanitization structure) to the exit side (e.g., the exit side of the UVcurtain structure) via manual and automated means. With respect tomanual means, one or more objects (e.g., shopping carts) may be pushedor pulled by hand to move the distance spanning from the entrance sideto the exit side. One or more objects may also be pulled or pushed usinga rope (e.g., a control rope coupled to the object), a chain link, alead, a braided hose, or other suitable flexible and/or rigid devices.In various embodiments, the object may be received at the entrance sideand travel the distance to the exit side using automated means. Forinstance, the shopping cart may be placed on a conveyer belt, a movingsidewalk (e.g., an auto walk), an escalator (e.g., an inclined movingsidewalk), a shuttle that is coupled to a track and/or grooves, anobject conveyer that couples to the object, or other suitable automateddevices that move the object(s) from a first side of the sanitizationsystem (e.g., the entrance) to a second side of the sanitization system(e.g., the exit).

In various embodiments, the sanitization structure may be coupled to areservoir that contains a sanitizing agent. The sanitization structuremay include a sanitizing agent tube that connects one or more nozzles tothe reservoir, such that the sanitizing agent is in fluid communicationcontained in the reservoir is in fluid communication with the nozzle(s).The reservoir cause filtered water to be mixed with the sanitizing agentsuch that the filtered water/sanitizing agent combination is dispersedby the one or more nozzles. The one or more nozzles may be configured toapply the sanitizing agent to the shopping cart. For instance, thenozzles may mist the shopping cart with a layer of the sanitizing agent.The sanitizing agent may be any anti-microbial sanitation solution orany anti-bacterial chemical that can disable, remove, or destroypotentially harmful pathogens. In some instances, the one or morenozzles may apply the sanitizing agent in continuous manner or at aninterval. The sanitizing agent may be configured to be evaporable.

In various embodiments, the drying structure may include one or morefans, or one or more directional blowers, that are configured to draw inair from the atmosphere and/or a gas. An air purifier 130 may thenreceive the air, filter out particulates (e.g., dust), to producefiltered air. The drying structure may also include one or more airducts to apply the filtered air to the shopping cart. The one or morefans, the air purifier 130, and the one or more air ducts may be coupledand/or connected via purification tunnel. The purification tunnel may bea tube and/or pipe that facilitates the movement of a gas (e.g., thefiltered air). The filtered air may be applied via the one or more airducts to remove moisture present on the shopping cart. For instance, thefiltered air may dry the sanitizing agent such that little to nosanitizing agent remains on the object(s). In other embodiments, anobject may be previously wet (e.g., a shopping cart being wet as aresult of rainy or snowy weather). The drying structure may apply thefiltered air to the object to dry the object. In some instances, asstated above, the one or more nozzles may apply the sanitizing agent incontinuous manner or at an interval. However, in some instances, anobject may not have the sanitizing agent applied via the sanitizationstructure, or the sanitization structure may not be present in thesanitization system, and the object may be moved towards the dryingstructure to be dried. In some instances, the air purifier 130 may be anair scrubber that removes gases or particles from the air. For instance,an air scrubber may be used to remove carbon dioxide from the air.

In various embodiments, the UV light structure may include one or moreUV lamps that are configured to apply UV light to the shopping cart. Theone or more UV lamps may be configured to emit light at a wavelengthoutside of the visible spectrum that disables, breaks down, and/ordestroys pathogenic organisms (e.g., bacteria). The one or more lampsmay be housed in one or more UV lamp housings 136 to provide directionalapplication of the UV light to the shopping cart.

In various embodiments, the UV curtain structure may include one or moreUV curtains. The one or more UV curtains may be configured to block anentirety or a portion of the UV light emitted from the one or more UVlamps. In some instances, the sanitization structure, the dryingstructure, the UV light structure, and/or the UV curtain structure maybe encapsulated or surrounded by a tunnel. The tunnel may be co-axiallyaligned with at least one of the sanitization structure, the dryingstructure, the UV light structure, or the UV curtain structure. Thetunnel may have an entrance side and an exit side. In some instances,the tunnel may be made from a polyethylene material that reducesvisibility of processes performed by the sanitization structure, thedrying structure, the UV light structure, and/or the UV curtainstructure. That is, customers may only see the tunnel, and may not havevisibility of the techniques used by the structures to clean andsanitize objects.

In various embodiments, bumper rails may extend from the sanitizationstructure (or any other of the structures) to at least one of the dryingstructure, the UV light structure, or UV curtain structure. Forinstance, the sanitization structure may be an arch with an inner sidelocated adjacent to the space within or beneath the arch. The UV curtainstructure may have a similar arch structure. A first bumper rail mayextend from a first side, of the inner side of the sanitizationstructure, to a first side, of the inner side of the UV curtainstructure. A second bumper rail may extend from a second side, of theinner side of the sanitization structure, to a second side, of the innerside of the UV curtain structure. The second bumper rail may be parallelor near-parallel to the first bumper rail. The bumper rail may beconfigured to cause the object to only be able to exit the sanitizationsystem at an exit side of the sanitization system. A drain (e.g., agrated floor) may span at least a portion of the width between the firstbumper rail and the second bumper rail. The drain may collect any fluid(e.g., sanitizing agent) that is applied to the object(s) and that dripsfrom the object(s), or any fluid that is not applied directly to theobject(s) and collects on a surface underneath or around the object(s).In some instances, the drain may include a funnel underneath the gratedfloor for collection of unused sanitizing agent (or sanitizing agentthat is applied to the object(s) and that drips/falls off).

In various embodiments, a sensor (e.g., a motion sensor) may be locatedon or coupled to at least one of the sanitization structure, the dryingstructure, the UV light structure, and/or the UV curtain structure. Thesensor may be configured to detect the object when the object is withina threshold distance (e.g., 1 foot, 2 feet, 5 feet, 10 feet, etc.) fromone of the structures. In response to detecting the object, at least oneof the sanitization structure, the drying structure, the UV lightstructure, and/or the UV curtain structure may activate (e.g., commenceapplication of the sanitizing agent, gas current, and/or UV light). Forinstance, in response to detecting the object(s) (e.g., a singleshopping cart, multiple stacked shopping carts, etc.), the sanitizationstructure may activate to apply the sanitizing agent to the object. Thesanitization structure, the drying structure, the UV light structure,and/or the UV curtain structure may also de-activate or cease operationif the motion sensor no longer detects the object(s). For instance,provided that the sensor is positioned on the sanitization structuredirected towards the entrance of the sanitization system, the sensor maydetect the object(s) when they come in proximity to the sanitizationstructure. Upon detection, the nozzle(s) of the sanitization structuremay apply or disperse the sanitizing agent. Once the object(s) moveunderneath or through the sanitization structure, the sensor may nolonger detect the object(s). As a result, the nozzle(s) may ceaseapplying/dispersing the sanitizing agent, since there are no objectsthat are currently underneath the sanitization structure.

In various embodiments, a timer and a display may be coupled to at leastone the sanitization structure, the drying structure, the UV lightstructure, the UV curtain structure, and/or an interior or exterior ofthe tunnel. In response to detecting the object(s), a timer may countdown or count up to a predetermined sanitization time. For instance,when the object(s) are detected, a time counting down from six seconds(i.e., the predetermined sanitization time) may begin. In someinstances, upon the predetermined sanitization time being reached (e.g.,the object(s) have been within the sanitization system for at least sixseconds), an audible cue may be emitted from a speaker and/or anotheraudio device to indicate the predetermined sanitization time has beenreached. Alternatively, a visual cue may be displayed via the displaythat indicates that the predetermined sanitization time has beenreached. The predetermined sanitization time may be a time thatrepresents a standardized amount of time that an object should spend inthe sanitization system in order to meet a threshold sanitization level.The threshold sanitization level may be a predetermined sanitizationlevel associated with removing at least a majority of (or a differentlevel, such as 90%, 95%, 99%, etc.) potentially harmful pathogens. Insome instances, a timer may be coupled to the sanitization structure,the drying structure, the UV light structure, the UV curtain structure,and/or the tunnel. An operator of the sanitization system may utilizethe timer to determine a length of time the object(s) spend in thesanitization system.

In various embodiments, a power source (e.g., a source of electricpower) may be a component that supplies power to at least one of thesanitization structure, the drying structure, the UV light structure,and/or the UV curtain structure. In some instances, a separate powersource may supply electric power to each structure, a single powersource may supply electric power to each of the structures, or differentpower sources may supply electric power to multiple, but not all of, thestructure.

In various embodiments, one or more of the sanitization structure, thedrying structure, the UV light structure, or the UV curtain structuremay be coupled to an emergency shut-off. An emergency shut-off may be amanual button or switch (or a selectable element actuable via thedisplay) that turns-off, de-activates, and/or shuts down one or more ofthe sanitization structures, such as the sanitization structure, thedrying structure, and/or the UV light structure. For instance, theemergency shut-off may be a lever that, when manually switched by anoperator of the sanitization system, immediately ceases application ofthe sanitizing agent by the sanitization structure.

In various embodiments, the sanitizing agent may be applied to theobject via one or more nozzles coupled to the sanitizing structure at afirst time, the gas current may be applied to the object via one or moreair ducts coupled to the drying structure at a second time that issubsequent to the first time, and UV light may be applied via one ormore UV lamps coupled to a UV light structure at a third time that issubsequent to the second time. However, the different structures of thesanitization system described herein may be arranged in any order orconfiguration. For instance, the sanitization structure may apply thesanitizing agent first, the UV light structure may apply the UV lightsecond, and then the drying structure may apply the purified air last.In further embodiments, provided that the structures are moveable, thestructures may be moved between different configurations orarrangements.

In certain embodiments, the object may pass through a tunnel or tubemade of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic, any type ofmetal, etc. Instead of the object being moved through the tunnel/tubevia a conveyor system, the object may be moved through the tunnel/tubevia one or more wheels coupled to an interior surface of thetunnel/tube. For instance, as the object is placed into the tunnel/tube,wheels on the interior side of the tunnel/tube may make contact with theobject, and the wheels may cause the object to move through thetunnel/tube while the object is being sanitized or disinfected.

An illustrative system may include a disinfection locker, which mayinclude one or more doors and an interior cavity that includes areflective surface on at least one of the interior walls within theinterior cavity, one or more lighting components (e.g., UV lamps,Ultraviolet C (UVC) lamps, etc.), and a mechanism that is used to hangan object that is to be sanitized and/or disinfected by the UV/UVC lightilluminated from the lamps. In particular, the locker may include twodoors, where at least one of the doors includes a control panel that isused to operate the lamps. The lamps may be situated in differentlocations within the interior cavity of the locker and, when an objectto be sanitized is placed within the locker, the lamps may be activatedvia the control panel to sanitize/disinfect the object. In someembodiments, the object may be clothing, hospital gowns, medicalclothing, towels, etc. that are hung from a bar or other structurewithin the interior cavity of the locker.

Another illustrative system may include a housing, an entrance side, anexit side, and a conveyor within an interior of the housing thattransports an object from the entrance side to the exit side. Theinterior of the system includes one or more lighting components (e.g.,UV lamps, UVC, lamps, etc.) that emit light (e.g., UV light, UVC light,etc.) that sanitize and disinfect the object. For instance, for anobject that is to be sanitized, the object is placed on the conveyor onthe entrance side of the system, the conveyor transports the objectthrough the system where the light emitted by the lighting component(s)sanitizes the object. The object is then removed from the system via theexit side of the system. The system may be stationary or mobile and, inthe mobile embodiment, the system may have wheels of a differentmechanism that are used to move the system. The system may also includesome type of mechanism (e.g., a UV curtain) that prevents the light fromexiting the system.

An illustrative system may include a container, bag, box, etc. thatincludes a structure that includes one or more lighting components thatemit light (e.g., UV light, UVC light, etc.). The system, including thestructure contained therein, may be converted between an expanded statewhen in use to an unexpanded or collapsed state when not currently inuse. The system may include a top surface and a lid that opens andcloses such that an object can be placed within the system. Upon closingthe lid, the light emitted by the lighting component(s) sanitizes anddisinfects the object and, once sanitized, the object may be removedfrom the system via the lid. The lid may remain closed using one or morefasteners, such as buckles, a zipper, clasps, Velcro®, etc. Since thesize of the system may vary based on transitioning the system from theexpanded state to the unexpanded/collapsed state, the system may beeasily transportable.

In some embodiments, a system may include a housing, one or more doors,and an interior cavity within the housing that includes one or morelighting components that emit light (e.g., UV light, UVC, light, etc.).An object may be placed within the interior cavity and may be sanitizedby the light emitted from the lamp(s). Examples of object that may beplaced within the system may include personal protective equipment(PPE), such as facial masks, goggles, glasses, gowns, headwear, etc. Thelamps may be activated/deactivated via one of more control componentslocated on an exterior surface of the housing. Moreover, the system maybe stationary or mobile using wheels. In a mobile state, the system maybe moved between different locations/areas to sanitize/disinfectdifferent objects.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative apparatus that includesmultiple structures to facilitate sanitization of one or more objects.The pictorial diagram 100 includes at least a sanitization structure102, a drying structure 104, a UV light structure 106, and a UV curtainstructure 108. The sanitization structure 102, the drying structure 104,the UV light structure 106, and/or the UV curtain structure 108 may beaxially aligned. In some instances, at least one of the sanitizationstructure 102, the drying structure 104, the UV light structure 106,and/or the UV curtain structure 108 may not be axially aligned with thevarious other structures. As shown, each of the sanitization structure102, the drying structure 104, the UV light structure 106, and/or the UVcurtain structure 108 may be configured to receive an object 110 at anentrance side 112. As shown, the object 110 may be received by thesanitization structure 102 at the entrance side 112 and exit the UVcurtain structure 108 at an exit side 114. In some instances, each ofthe sanitization structure 102, the drying structure 104, the UV lightstructure 106, and/or the UV curtain structure 108 may individually havean exit and an entrance. For instance, the sanitization structure mayhave an entrance on the entrance side 112 (e.g., where the object 110enters the sanitization structure 102) and an exit on the opposite sideor exit side 114 (e.g., where the object 110 exits the sanitizationstructure 102).

The object 110 may be any unpowered or a powered object 110. Anunpowered object 110 may include objects 110 that require externalassistance to move, unless the unpowered object(s) 110 are moved via anautomated or partially-automated mechanism, such as a conveyor. Forinstance, an unpowered object 110 may include a shopping cart, a pushcart, a pallet, a table (e.g., for handling, processing, or preparingfacility, such as a hospital bed). In some instances, the object 110 maybe a plurality of objects 110. For instance, the object 110 may be aplurality of stacked shopping carts where a shopping cart of theplurality of shopping carts is configured to physically couple toanother shopping cart of the plurality of shopping carts. If the object110 requires external assistance to move, the object 110 may be movedusing a suitable manual device (e.g., a rope operated by a person) orautomated device (e.g., a conveyor) to travel a distance between theentrance side 112 and the exit side 114. An object 110 may also be apowered object 110 that is able to travel the distance between theentrance side 112 and the exit side 114 with assistance. For instance,the powered object 110 may include a self-driving cart or a motorvehicle that includes at least a motor or battery and a means fornavigation (e.g., sensors). As shown, the object 110 illustrated in FIG.1 appears to depict a push cart that may require external assistance totravel the distance between an entrance side 112 and an exit side 114 ofthe sanitization system.

In some embodiments, the object(s) 110 may be of any size and thesanitization system 100 may also be of any size. That is, thesanitization system 100 may be of any height, length, and/or width. Forinstance, the sanitization system 100, as well as the various structuresassociated therewith (e.g., the sanitizing structure 102, the dryingstructure 104, the UV light structure 106, and/or the UV curtainstructure 108), may be of suitable size in order to allow the object(s)110 to pass through, by, or underneath the structures. For instance, andas described herein, the sanitization system 100 may clean/sanitizesmaller objects 110, such as shopping carts, hospital beds, wheelchairs,food preparation carts/tables, etc. However, the sanitization system 100may be of a suitable size to clean/sanitize larger objects 110, such astrucks that transport livestock (e.g., livestock trailers that transportcows, horses, etc.) or food products (e.g., grain, hay, produce, etc.),food conveyor belt trucks, grain truck beds, food trailers, farmingequipment (e.g., tractors, plows, irrigation equipment, etc.), and soon. For the purposes of this discussion, the sanitization system 100 maybe built to any size and/or may be adjustable to any size, therebyallowing the sanitization system 100 to clean and sanitize objects 100of any size.

As shown, the sanitization structure 102 may be coupled to a reservoir116. The reservoir 116 may include a container that is configured tohold liquid such as water and/or a cleansing agent. In some instances,the reservoir 116 may include a filter that is configured to filterwater or the cleansing agent (e.g., remove particles and/or contaminantsfrom water/cleansing agent). The cleansing agent may be composed ofanti-pathogen compounds such as triclosan, triclocarban, benzalkoniumchloride, benzethonium chloride, chloroxylenol, and/or other suitablecompounds that at least assist in destroying, disabling, and/or removingpathogens. The cleansing agent may be a chemical that destroys, removes,and/or disables pathogens, bacteria, food items, dirt, etc. In someinstances, a liquid and a cleansing agent may be combined to form asanitizing agent 118. Alternatively, the cleansing agent itself may bethe sanitizing agent 118. The sanitizing agent 118 may be a liquidsanitizer that is configured as an anti-microbial sanitization solution.As shown, the reservoir 116 is coupled to one or more nozzles 120 viaone or more tubes or pipes that transport the sanitizing agent 118 fromthe reservoir 116 to the nozzle(s) 120. The one or more nozzles 120 maybe configured to apply or disperse a mist or spray of the sanitizingagent 118 onto the object(s) 110. In some instances, the one or morenozzles 120 may include rotating, or movable, misting heads to ensurefull coverage of the object(s) 110 with the sanitizing agent 118. Theone or more nozzles 120 may also apply a liquid (e.g. water) to theobject(s) 110. In some instances, the sanitizing agent 118 may beselected based on a type of pathogen, a group of pathogens, foodproducts, bodily fluids, bacteria, dirt, etc. that may be present on theobject(s) 110.

As shown, the sanitization structure 102 may include one or more sensors122. The sensor(s) 122 may include an active or passive infrared sensor,a microwave sensor, an area reflective sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, aphoto optic motion sensor. A, or any other types of sensors that areconfigured to detect the object(s) 110. The sensor(s) 122 may be anysensor that is configured to detect the object(s) 110. In someinstances, the object(s) 110 may be configured to contain a radiotransmitter that may send a coded and/or encoded signal (e.g., radiowave) that is received by a receiver on the sensor(s) 122. The sensor(s)122 may detect the object(s) 110 based on receiving a signal emittedfrom the object(s) 110. In response to the sensor(s) 122 detecting theobject(s) 110, the sanitization structure 102 may activate causing theone or more nozzles 120 to apply the sanitizing agent 118 to theobject(s) 110.

As shown, a set of bumper rails 124 may extend from the sanitizationstructure 102 to the UV curtain structure 108. In some instances, thebumper rail(s) 124 may extend to the drying structure 104 or the UVlight structure 106. As shown, a first bumper rail 124 appears to belocated on an inside side (e.g., a first side) of the sanitizationstructure 102 and extends to an inside side (e.g., a first side of UVcurtain structure 108). As shown, a second bumper rail 124 appears to belocated on an inside side opposite the first side (e.g., a second side)of the sanitization structure 102 and extends to an inside side oppositethe first side (e.g., a second side of UV curtain structure 108). Asshown, the first bumper rail 124 and the second bumper rail 124 appearto be parallel or near-parallel. In other instances, the first the firstbumper rail 124 and the second bumper 124 may not be parallel ornear-parallel. For instance, the bumper rail(s) 124 may be a curved orwave shape. The bumper rail(s) 124 may be configured to serve as a guidefor the object(s) 110 to follow through the sanitization system. Thebumper rail(s) 124 may be composed of at least one of wood, metal,plastic, or other suitable rigid materials.

As shown, one or more drains 126 may span at least a portion of thewidth between the first bumper rail 124 and the second bumper rail 124.The drain(s) 126 may include a grated floor that spans a distancebetween the sanitization structure 102 and at least one of the dryingstructure 104, the UV light structure 106, or the UV curtain structure108, although the drain(s) 126 may be positioned at any location withinthe sanitization system 100. In some instances, the drain(s) 126 may belocated before a first arch (e.g., the sanitization structure 102 and atleast one of the drying structure 104, the UV light structure 106, orthe UV curtain structure 108) on the entrance side 112 and/or locatedafter a second arch (e.g., the sanitization structure 102 and at leastone of the drying structure 104, the UV light structure 106, or the UVcurtain structure 108) on the exit side 114. In some instances, thedrain(s) 126 may be located between any grouping of structures, thegrouping of structures comprising at least two of the sanitizationstructure 102 and at least one of the drying structure 104, the UV lightstructure 106, and the UV curtain structure 108. The drain(s) 126 may beconfigured to capture liquid and/or the sanitizing agent 118 that hasnot been applied to the object 110 or has been applied, but run-off, theobject 110. In some instances, the drain(s) 126 may include a funnelunderneath a grated floor to capture at least unused or run-off of thesanitizing agent 118 that was applied to the object 110.

As shown, the drying structure 104 may include one or more fans 128, oneor more air purifiers 130, and one or more air ducts 132. The one ormore fans 128 may receive air from the atmosphere (e.g., the area withinor surrounding the sanitization system 100). In some instances, the oneor more fans 128 may be directional blowers. The one or more fans 128may be configured move a gas (e.g., air) with an increase in pressure.For instance, a gas may have a first pressure before being drawn in bythe one or more fans 128. The one or more fans 128 may cause a movementof the gas at a second pressure, wherein the second pressure is greaterthan the first pressure. The one or more fans 128 may be coupled to theone or more air purifiers 130. The one or more air purifiers 130, whichmay be one or more air scrubbers, may receive a gas from the one or morefans 128. The one or more air purifiers 130 may be configured at leastto filter the gas to remove contaminants (e.g., dust). In someinstances, the one or more air purifiers 130, may transform the gas intoa purified gas. For instance, an unfiltered gas may be filtered toremove or to disable pathogens thereby creating a purified (e.g.,filtered) gas. The one or more air ducts 132 may receive the purifiedgas (e.g., a gas current) and apply the gas current to the object(s)110. At least one air duct 132 of the one or more air ducts 132 may havean air duct opening that is adjustable. For instance, the air ductopening for an air duct 132 may be reduced in size (e.g., reduced indiameter) to apply the gas current to the object 110 at a greatervelocity/rate. The one or more air ducts 132 may apply a gas current todry the object(s) 110 (e.g., to dry any sanitizing agent 118 remainingon the object(s) 110). In some instances, the one or more fans 128, theone or more air purifiers 130, and one or more air ducts 132 may becoupled via a pipe, tunnel, and/or tube that facilitates the movement ofgas.

As shown, the UV light structure 106 may include one or more UV lamps134, one or more UV lamp housings 136, and a power source 138. The oneor more UV lamps 134 may apply UV light to the object(s) 110. The one ormore UV lamps 134 may be one or more germicidal UV lamps that areconfigured to emit a light at a wavelength outside of the visible lightspectrum to deactivate the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of variouspathogens (e.g., bacteria). As shown, the one or more UV lamps 134 maybe at least partially contained within the one or more UV lamp housings136. The one or more UV lamp housings 136 may provide a direction forthe one or more UV lamps 134 to emit UV light, thereby assisting in theapplication of UV light to the object(s) 110. The one or more UV lamphousings 136 may also prevent at least a portion of the UV light emittedfrom the one or more UV lamps 134 from being emitted in a direction awayfrom the object(s) 110.

As shown, a power source 138 may be coupled to the one or more UV lamps134 and/or the UV light structure 106 to provide electrical power. Asdescribed herein, the power source 138 may be a single power source 138or multiple power sources 138, and the power source(s) 138 may supplyelectric power to a single structure, some but not all of thestructures, or all of the structures of the sanitization system 100. Thepower source 138 may have an electrical power setting. For instance, thepower source 138 may be at least one of 240 volt (240 v) single phase,240 v two phase, 240 v three phase, 110-volt single phase, or othersuitable voltage and phase settings. In other instances, a second powersource 138 may be coupled to the sanitization structure 102 and a thirdpower source 138 may be coupled to the drying structure 104. In someinstances, the power source 138 may be coupled to the sanitizationstructure 102, the drying structure 104, and the UV light structure 106.By way of example, a first power source 138 with a first voltage and/orphase setting may be coupled to at least one of the sanitizationstructure 102, drying structure 104, or the UV light structure 106, anda second power source 138 with a second voltage and/or phase setting maybe coupled at least one of the sanitization structure 102, dryingstructure 104, or the UV light structure 106. The first voltage and/orphase setting may be different than the second voltage and/or phasesetting. The power source 138 may be configured to receive electricpower from an electrical producing device or system including receiveelectrical power via chemical energy, mechanical energy, solar energy,wind energy, geothermal energy, hydrogen energy, hydroelectric energy,and/or biomass energy.

As shown, the UV curtain structure 108 may include, or be coupled to,one or more UV curtains 140. The one or more UV curtains 140 may be amaterial, such as amber-tinted poly vinyl chloride or other suitablematerials, to block at least a portion of the UV light emitted from theone or more UV lamps 134. In some instances, the one or more UV curtains140 may be configured such that the object 110 may pass through. Asshown the UV curtain structure 108 may be fastened or secured to theground (e.g., concrete) or a surface (e.g., a ramp or platform) via oneor more fasteners 142. The one or more fasteners 142 may be based on amaterial of the ground or surface (e.g., concrete or wood). The one ormore fasteners 142 may include screws, anchors, nails, spikes,concrete/cement, adhesive, or other suitable fasteners to permanently orremovably fix the UV curtain structure 108 to the ground or to asurface. In addition, the sanitization structure 102, drying structure104, and the UV light structure 106 may be fixed to the ground or to asurface via one or more fasteners 142 similar to the fasteners 142coupled to the UV curtain structure 108.

By way of example, a plurality of shopping carts (e.g., the object 110)may be coupled together forming a stack of shopping carts. The pluralityof shopping carts may be placed on a moving sidewalk (i.e., automatedtransported) or pulled via a rope lead (i.e., manually transported)through a sanitization system. The plurality of carts may travel along apath defined by a first and second bumper rail (e.g., one or more bumperrails 124). The plurality of shopping carts may enter a sanitizationarch (e.g., the sanitization structure 102) at a first side (e.g., anentrance side 112) of the sanitization arch. A photo optic sensor (e.g.,a sensor 122) may detect the plurality of shopping carts. In response todetecting the plurality of shopping carts, the sanitization arch mayactivate. For instance, a pressurized system may be configured to open avalve allowing the liquid sanitizer (e.g., a sanitizing agent 118 andfiltered water) to travel from a reservoir 116 to a plurality of nozzles120 coupled to the sanitization arch. The liquid sanitizer may be mistedor otherwise dispensed via the plurality of nozzles 120 to form asanitizing layer on the plurality of shopping carts. A drain 126 may beconfigured to collect run-off of the liquid sanitizer.

The plurality of shopping carts may then travel via automated or manualmeans to a drying arch (e.g., the drying structure 104). A plurality offans (e.g., one or more fans 128) may draw air from the atmosphere andincrease the pressure of the air on a dispensing side of the pluralityof fans 128. The drawn air may pass through an air scrubber (e.g., oneor more air purifiers 130) to convert unpurified air to purified air byremoving contaminants such as dirt and bacteria. The purified air may beapplied to the plurality of shopping carts as they pass underneath thearch to dry off any excess liquid sanitizer. The plurality of shoppingcarts may then travel to a UV light arch (e.g., a UV light structure106). Germicidal UV light may be applied to the plurality of shoppingcarts that may disable or destroy one or more pathogens. A UV curtainarch (e.g., the UV curtain structure 108) may block at a least a portionof the UV light to protect passersby. The plurality of shopping cartsmay exit the UV curtain arch at an exit side of the UV curtain arch(e.g., the exit side 114). The photo optic sensor 122 may detect thatthere are no remaining shopping carts present in the sanitization systemand cause the sanitization arch, the drying arch, and the UV light archto cease operation and/or to shut down. The entire sanitization systemmay be encapsulated or encompassed by a tunnel 202 that is composed of arigid material that can block or resist at least the liquid sanitizer,the purified air, and the UV light. As a result of applying a sanitizingagent 118, purified air, and/or UV light to the shopping carts, whichwill disable, destroy, and/or remove substances (e.g., bacteria,pathogens, body fluids, human waste, dirt, food products, etc.) residingon the shopping carts, the shopping cars will be cleaned and sanitizedfor subsequent use. The sanitization system described herein willreduce, and possibly eliminate, the likelihood that individuals (e.g.,employees, customers, etc.) will be exposed to potentially harmfulsubstances.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial diagram 200 of an illustrative apparatus thatincludes a tunnel 202 that at least partially encloses multiplestructures. As shown, the tunnel 202 appears to encapsulate or encloseat least the sanitization structure 102, the drying structure 104, andthe UV light structure 106. The tunnel 202 may also encapsulated orenclose the UV curtain structure 108. As shown, the object(s) 110 appearto be depicted entering the tunnel on the entrance side 112. The tunnel202 may be configured to have a tunnel entrance on a first side (e.g.,the entrance side 112), and tunnel exit on a second side (e.g., the exitside 114). In some instances, the tunnel 202 may be composed of ahigh-density polyethylene. In other instances, the tunnel 202 may becomposed of plastic, wood, metal, or similar rigid materials. The tunnel202 may be composed of a material that blocks or is resistant to thesanitizing agent 118 and/or UV light. In various embodiments, the sensor122 may be coupled to the tunnel 202 for detecting the object 110. Thetunnel 202 may be coupled to some, all, or none of the structures of thesanitization system 100. For instance, some or all of the structures mayprovide support for the tunnel 202, or the tunnel 202 may befreestanding and may not require support from any of the structures ofthe sanitization system 100.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram 300 of an illustrative system thatincludes a sanitization structure 102 to facilitate application of asanitizing agent 118 to one or more objects 110. As shown, thesanitization structure 102 may be coupled to a reservoir 116 and one ormore nozzles 120. As shown, the one or more nozzles 120 appear to becoupled to an inside side of the sanitization structure 102. The one ormore nozzles 120 may be arranged on the inside side of the sanitizationstructure 102 to apply the sanitizing agent 118 to the entirety (e.g.,each side) of an object 110. For instance, and as shown, thesanitization structure 102 appears to be depicted as having threenozzles 120 on a first inside side of an arch, two nozzles 120 on asecond inside side of the arch (e.g., the top side), and three nozzles120 on a third inside side of the arch. A position of the one or morenozzles 120 may be based on a size or a shape of the object(s) 110. Insome instances, the one or more nozzles 120 may be moveable and may becoupled to the sanitization structure 102 on a track or groove such thatthe one or more nozzles 120 may be placed at various positions along theinside side of sanitization structure 102. The one or more nozzles 120may also be rotatable. For instance, the one or more nozzles 120 mayrotate and/or adjust while maintaining a first position along an insidesurface of the sanitizations structure 102. In alternative embodiments,the sanitization structure 102 may also be configured to have one ormore additional nozzles 120 that are located underneath an object 110.For instance, the sanitization structure 102 may be a loop and/or a ringwith one or more additional nozzles 120 that are aimed at an undersideof an object 110.

As shown, the one or more nozzles 120 appear to apply a sanitizing agent118. The sanitizing agent 118 may be an anti-microbial solution that iscomposed of a chemical that removes, disables, and/or destroyspathogens. For instance, a pathogen may be a pathogenic organism thatincludes at least one of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, orparasites. A pathogen may be referred to as a germ. Application of thesanitizing agent 118 may also remove food products, bodily fluids, dirt,or any other substance from the object(s) 110. In various embodiments,the sanitizing agent 118 may be selected for application to the object110 based on desired removal of a particular pathogen or pathogens. Insome instances, the one or more nozzles 120 may apply a mist and/orliquid to an object 110.

As shown, the reservoir 116 appears to be coupled to the one or morenozzles 120 via a tube and/or pipe that carries a liquid (e.g., water)and/or a sanitizing agent 118 (e.g., a chemical that may or may not becombined with water). The sanitizing agent 118 may be pumped to the oneor more nozzles 120 by a pressurized system that includes at least azone control valve (or any other type of valve). As shown, a sensor 122(e.g., a motion sensor) may detect an object 110. In response todetecting the object 110, the pressurized system may open the zonecontrol valve allowed the sanitizing agent 118 to be applied to theobject 110 via the one or more nozzles 120. As shown the sanitizationstructure 102 may be permanently or removably fastened to the ground(e.g., concrete) or to a surface (e.g., a platform) via fasteners 142.As shown, bumper rails 124 appear to be depicted in an opening in thesanitization structure 102 in order to guide an object 110 underneath,along an inside side, of the sanitization structure 102. As shown, alight source 302 (e.g., an indicator light) may indicate that thesanitizing agent 118 is currently being applied to the object 110 and/orthe one or more nozzles 120 are currently emitting the sanitizing agent118. In other instances, the light source 302 may turn on (e.g., emit acolored light such as a green light) in response to detecting the object110 by the sensor 122. In some instances, the light source 302 may emita second colored light (e.g., a yellow light) to indicate at least oneof the sanitization structure 102, the drying structure 104, the UVlight structure 106, and/or the UV curtain structure 108 warming-upand/or preparing for operation. The light source 302 may emit a thirdcolored light (e.g., a red light) to indicate a failure (e.g., amechanical and/or electrical failure) in the system. The red light mayalso indicate a maintenance need of one or more of the structures. Forinstance, the red light may indicate that an air purifier 130 coupledthe drying arch 104 needs to be replaced due to it being defective.

As show, a drain 126 appears to be depicted underneath, or proximal, tothe sanitization structure 102. Although any number of drains 126 arecontemplated herein, the drain 126 may be configured to capture liquidrun-off, or sanitization agent 118 run-off, after and/or duringapplication to the object 110 by the one or more nozzles 120. In someinstances, the drain 126 may be coupled to the reservoir 116 to recycleand/or reuse the sanitizing agent 118 for application to subsequentobjects 110. In some instances, the drain 126 may include a funneland/or a grated floor. In some instances, the drain 126 may include abasin or collection tank that is configured to store excess sanitizingagent 118, or sanitizing agent 118 that has yet to be applied to theobject(s) 110.

FIG. 4 a is a pictorial diagram 400 of an illustrative structure of thesanitization system 100 that includes a frame and a base of thestructure. The sanitization structure 102, drying structure 104, the UVlight structure 106, and the UV curtain structure 108 may include aframe 402. The frame 402 may be a structural frame that incorporates atleast columns, arches, and/or beams to bear weight and/or carry a load.For instance, the frame 402, with respect to the sanitization structure102, may be configured to couple to, and carry the weight of, the one ormore nozzles 120. The frame 402, may include horizontal beams, verticalbeams, non-horizontal and non-vertical beams, and/or rounded beams. Theframe 402 may be an arch. In some instances, the frame 402 may be arectangular three-dimensional shape. The frame 402 may be made of amaterial, or multiple materials. For instance, the frame may be composedof a rigid material including metal (e.g., aluminum), wood, and/orplastic. The frame 402 may also include a base 404. The base may beconfigured to allow the frame 402 to be permanently or removably coupledto the ground (e.g., concrete) or a surface (e.g., a platform) via oneor more fasteners 142. For instance, the base 404 may have one or moreholes or openings that allow a fastener 142 to pass through to theground/surface.

FIG. 4 b is a pictorial diagram 406 of an illustrative apparatus thatincludes a reservoir 116, a filter 408, and a sanitizing agent tube 410with respect to the sanitization structure 102. In various embodiments,the reservoir 116 may contain a solution comprised of liquid (e.g.,water) and/or the sanitizing agent 118. The solution may pass throughthe filter 408 to remove contaminants, such as dirt. In some instances,the solution may be pumped via a pressurized system via a sanitizingagent tube 410 to the one or more nozzles 120 for application to anobject 110 (e.g., a shopping cart). As shown, a collection tank 412 maybe coupled to the drain 126 and/or configured to collect run-off of thesanitizing agent 118 that was applied by the one or more nozzles 120 tothe object(s) 110. As shown, the collection tank appears be coupled toan inlet tube 414. The inlet tube 414 may carry, deliver, or transportthe sanitizing agent 118 collected in the collection tank 412 to thereservoir 116.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial diagram 500 of an illustrative apparatus thatincludes a drying structure 104 to facilitate application of a gascurrent to one or more objects 110. As shown, the drying structure 104appears to be coupled to one or more fans 128. The one or more fans 128may be a high-pressure blower with a minimum and maximum revolutions perminute (RPM). The one or more fans 128 may be enclosed in cages forprotection purposes. In some instances, the one or more fans 128 maycollect or draw gas (e.g., air) from the atmosphere. The one or morefans 128 may include one or more RPM settings (e.g., a maximum settingof 3600 RPM). The one or more fans 128 may provide a gas to the one ormore air purifiers 130 or air scrubbers for purification. The one ormore air purifiers 130 may convert unpurified gas (e.g., air) intopurified gas (e.g., air with contaminants and/or dust particlesremoved). The one or more air purifiers 130 may utilize UV ozonepurification. For instance, unpurified air may be infused with colonyfighting organisms that disable airborne bacterial organisms. The one ormore air purifiers 130 and the one or more fans 128 may provide a gascurrent (e.g., purified air), to the one or more air ducts 132. Asshown, the drying structure 104 may be coupled to one or more air ducts132 that apply a gas current to the object(s) 110 (e.g., the shoppingcart). As shown, the one or more air ducts 132 appear to be arrangedalong an inside side of the drying structure 104.

As shown, the drying structure 104 appears to be coupled to five airducts 132. A position of the one or more air ducts 132 may be based on asize or a shape of the object(s) 110. In some instances, the one or moreair ducts 132 may be coupled to the drying structure 104 on a track orgroove such that the one or more air ducts 132 may be moved and placedat various positions on the drying structure 104.

At least one air duct 132 of the one or more air ducts 132 may beconfigured to have an adjustable opening (e.g., an adjustable diameterand/or cross-sectional area). For instance, an opening of the at leastone air duct 132 may have a default opening configuration to apply a gascurrent at a first speed. The default opening configuration may includean opening (i.e., to apply a gas current to the object 110) that is afirst cross-sectional area. The opening of the at least one air duct 132may be adjusted to have a high-speed opening configuration with a secondcross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectionalarea. In various embodiments, a plurality of air ducts 132 may bearranged to create an air curtain. For instance, a first air duct 132may be configured to apply a first gas current at a first angle, asecond air 132 duct may be configured to apply a second gas current at asecond angle, and a third air duct 132 may be configured to apply athird gas current at a third angle such that the first gas current, thesecond gas current, and the third gas current at last partiallyintersect, thereby allowing the gas current to make contact with eachsurface of the object(s) 110. In alternative embodiments, the dryingstructure 104 may also be configured to have one or more additional airducts 132 that are located underneath an object 110. For instance, thedrying structure 104 may be a loop and/or a ring with one or moreadditional air ducts 132 that may be aimed at the underside of an object110. The drying structure 104 may be permanently or removably fastenedto the ground (e.g., concrete) or a surface (e.g., a platform) via oneor more fasteners 142. As shown, bumper rails 124 appear to beconfigured to provide a guide for an object(s) 110 to pass throughand/or underneath the drying structure 104.

In various embodiments, one or more fans 128, the one or more airpurifiers 130, and the one or more air ducts 132 may be connected and/orcoupled together via a purification tunnel. A purification tunnel may bea pipe and/or tube that facilitates the movement of a gas (e.g., air)between the one or more fans 128, the one or more air purifiers 130, andthe one or more air ducts 132.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram 600 of an illustrative system thatincludes an ultraviolet (UV) light structure 106 to facilitateapplication of UV light to one or more objects 110. As shown, the UVlight structure 106 appears to be coupled to one or more UV lamps 134.The one or more UV lamps 134 may be housed in one or more UV lamphousings 136. The one or more UV lamp housings 136 may provide acoupling mechanism to configure the one or more UV lamps 134 to becoupled to the UV light structure 106. In addition, the one or more UVlamp housings 136 may block at least a portion of the UV light emittedfrom the one or more UV lamps 134. The one or more UV lamps 134 may beone or more germicidal UV lamps 134 that disable and/or destroypathogens (e.g., bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and/or parasites).A first UV lamp 134 of the one or more UV lamps 134 may include a firstUV setting (e.g., UV-C with a wavelength from 100 nm to 280 nm), asecond UV lamp 134 may include a second UV setting (e.g., UV-B with awavelength from 280 nm to 315 nm), and/or a third UV lamp 134 mayinclude a third UV setting (e.g., UV-A with wavelength from 315 nm to400 nm). The UV light structure 106 may be permanently or removablyfastened to the ground (e.g., concrete) or a surface (e.g., a platform)via one or more fasteners 142. In various embodiments, the one or moreUV lamps 134 may emit UV light that has a wavelength between ten and 400nanometers. The application of UV light to an object 110 may disableand/or destroy pathogens (e.g., bacteria). For instance, UV light may beelectromagnetic radiation that is mutagenic (i.e., alters the geneticmaterial or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of bacteria). In some instances,the UV light may break the molecular bonds of microorganismal DNA. Asshown, bumper rails 124 appear to be configured to provide a guide forthe object(s) 110 to pass through and/or underneath the UV lightstructure 106.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial diagram 700 of an illustrative apparatus thatincludes a UV curtain structure 108 to facilitate blocking UV light. Asshown, the one or more UV curtain 140 may be composed of a material thatblocks UV light. For instance, the one or more UV curtains 140 may becomposed of an amber-tinted poly-vinyl chloride material that is able toblock at a least a portion of the UV light emitted from the one or moreUV lamps 134. As shown, the one or more UV curtains 140 appear to bedepicted as a curtain with slits that allow an object 110 to passthrough. Alternatively, the one or more UV curtains 140 may be a singlecurtain. The UV curtain structure 108 may be permanently or removablyfastened to the ground (e.g., concrete) or a surface (e.g., a platform)via one or more fasteners 142. As shown, bumper rails 124 appear to beconfigured to provide a guide for the object(s) 110 to pass throughand/or underneath the UV curtain structure 108.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram 800 illustrating an example process forsanitizing an object. For the purposes of this discussion, theoperations illustrated in FIG. 8 may be performed by at least thesanitization structure 102, the drying structure 104, the UV lightstructure 106, and/or the UV curtain structure 108.

Block 802 illustrates detecting an object (e.g., a shopping cart, ahospital bed, a wheelchair, etc.). For instance, one or more sensors 122(e.g., a motion sensor), may detect the object 110 at an entrance side112 of at least one of the sanitization structure 102, the dryingstructure 104, the UV light structure 106, or the UV curtain structure108. In some instances, the object(s) 110 may be configured to transmita signal that may be received by the sensor(s) 122.

Block 804 illustrates applying a sanitizing agent to the object. Thesanitizing agent 118 may be applied to the object(s) 110 via one or morenozzles 120 coupled to the sanitizing structure 102. In variousembodiments, the sanitizing agent 118 may apply a mist to the object(s)110. In some instances, the sanitizing agent 118 may be applied to theobject(s) 110 in response to detecting the object(s) 110 via thesensor(s) 122. The one or more nozzles 120 may be configured to apply acontinuous stream to the object(s) 110. A configuration of the one ormore nozzles 120 may be based on a size or shape of the object(s) 110.The sanitizing agent 118 may be a chemical that is configured to remove,destroy, and/or disable various pathogens (or any other substance, suchas food products, bodily fluids, dirt, etc.).

Block 806 illustrates applying a gas current to the object. A gascurrent (e.g., purified air) may be applied to the object(s) 110 via oneor more air ducts 132 coupled to the drying structure 104. In variousembodiments, the gas current may be obtained by drawing in air from theatmosphere via one or more fans 128 coupled to the drying structure 104and purifying the air via one or more air purifiers 130 coupled to thedrying structure 104. A configuration of the one or more air ducts 132may be based on a size or shape of the object(s) 110. The one or moreair ducts 132, the one or more air purifiers 130, and the one or morefans 128 may be connected via a pipe and/or tube.

Block 808 illustrates applying UV light to the object. UV light may beapplied to the object(s) 110 via one or more UV lamps 134. The one ormore UV lamps 134 may emit germicidal UV light that disables or destroysone or more pathogens. In various embodiments, the one or more UV lamps134 may be coupled to the UV light structure 106 directly or indirectlyvia one or more UV lamp housings 136.

Block 810 illustrates blocking at least a portion of the UV lightemitted by one or more UV lamps. In various embodiments, one or more UVlight curtains 140 may be composed of a material that is able to blockat least a portion of the UV light emitted by the one or more UV lamps134. That way, potentially harmful UV light that is emitted by the UVlamp(s) 134 may not be exposed to individuals in proximity to thesanitization system 100, or the UV curtain(s) 140 may at least minimizethe amount of UV light that escapes the sanitization system 100.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram of an illustrative apparatus 900 used tosanitize and/or disinfect objects using one or more lighting components,such as UV lamps, UVC lamps, or any other light source having afrequency or wavelength that is able to sanitize/disinfect the objects,as well as neutralize any scent associated with the objects. For thepurpose of this discussion, the apparatus 900 may also be referred to asa disinfection or sanitization locker or a disinfection or sanitizationcabinet. Although the apparatus 900 may be of any size (e.g., height,width, length, etc.), in some embodiments, the apparatus 900 may beapproximately six fee tall and two to three feet wide or deep. Theapparatus 900 may be located in any type of location or facility inwhich objects are to be sanitized, such as hospitals and other medicalbuildings, police stations, fire departments, detention centers, jails,prisons, holding rooms, intake rooms, and so on. As a result, theapparatus 900 may sanitize/disinfect any type of objects, such asclothing (e.g., inmate clothing, uniforms, scrubs or other medicalclothing, etc.), gear (e.g., tactical gear, riot gear, firefightinggear, helmets, etc.), PPE (e.g., face masks, face shields, gloves,headwear, goggles, etc.), and so on.

As shown, the apparatus includes a housing 902 that encloses an interiorcavity of the apparatus 902. The housing 902 may be made of anymaterial, such as any type of metal, wood, plastic, any synthetic orsemi-synthetic polymer material, or any other suitable rigid material.In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9 , the apparatus 902 may have twodoors—a first door 904 and a second door 906. However, for the purposesof this discussion, the apparatus 900 may have a single door, or anynumber of doors, windows, or other openings. Moreover, the doors of theapparatus 900 may be situated on any surface of the apparatus 902, andthe doors may traverse the entire width, length, or depth of the housing902, or only a portion thereof. The first door 904 and/or the seconddoor 906 may be used to access the interior cavity of the apparatus 900.Once the doors have been opened, an object to be sanitized may be placedwithin the apparatus 900. As shown in FIG. 9 , each of the first door904 and the second door 906 contain a handle 908, although only one ofthe doors may include a handle 908. The handles 908 may be used to openthe first door 904 and/or the second door 906 via hinges in order toaccess the interior cavity of the apparatus 900. As shown, FIG. 9depicts the first door 904 and the second door 906 being in a closedstate/configuration.

At any location on the housing 902, the apparatus 900 may include acontrol panel 910 that is used to control operations associated with theapparatus 900. In FIG. 9 , the control panel 910 is shown being locatedon the first door 904. The control panel 910 may be affixed to thehousing 902 and include a user interface (or a graphical userinterface), one or more buttons, sliders, levers, switches, etc. Usingthe control panel 910, a user may open/close the doors, turn on/off thelighting components within the interior cavity of the apparatus 900,specify a duration in which the lighting components are to be on, adjusta frequency or wavelength of light emitted by the lighting components,and so on. That is, using the control panel 910, a user may cause thelighting components to emit light for a particular period of time thatwill sanitize and disinfect the one or more objects that are within theinterior cavity of the apparatus 900. In an alternative embodiment, theapparatus 900 may be controlled by means other than the control panel910, such as a remote control or a mobile application residing on adevice (e.g., a mobile telephone, a tablet device, a desktop/laptopcomputer, etc.). Or, the control panel 910 may be separate from theapparatus 900, but be connected to the apparatus 900 via one or moreelectrical wires or be connected wirelessly (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth,cellular connection, etc.). A power source 912 may also be included toprovide power (e.g., electricity) to the lighting components and/or thecontrol panel 910. The power source may be a plug that is inserted intoan outlet for electrical power. However, in other embodiments, theapparatus may be operated using other types of power, including abattery, solar power, a gas or diesel engine, propane, etc.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9 .As shown, the first door 904 and the second door 906 of the apparatus900 are in an open state/configuration such that the interior cavity1002 of the apparatus 900 is visible and accessible. One or more wallswithin the interior cavity 1002 of the apparatus 900 include areflective surface 1004. Although the lighting components are not shownin FIG. 10 (they are depicted in FIG. 11 ), the reflective surfaces 1004reflect light emitted by the lighting components such that all surfacesof an object included within the apparatus 900 are exposed to the light.For instance, provided that a user places an object within the apparatus900, closes the doors, and activates the lighting components via thecontrol panel 910, the light may be emitted by the lighting componentsand continuously reflected by the reflective surfaces 1002 towards theobject(s) and the different interior walls, the inner bottom surface,and the inner top surface within the interior cavity 1002. As a result,all surfaces of the object will be sanitized/disinfected by the lightemitted by the lighting components. The interior walls may be made up ofthe reflective surface 1004 or the reflective surface 1004 may beaffixed to the interior walls in some manner (e.g., adhesive,screws/nails/clips, welded, etc.). Moreover, a single interior wall(including the interior surface of either of the doors), multipleinterior walls, or each of the interior walls may include the reflectivesurface 1004. It is also contemplated that the inner surface of theceiling and/or the inner surface of the floor within the interior cavity1002 may or may not have the reflective surface 1004.

The reflective surface 1004 may be included within the interior surfacesof any or each of the apparatus depicted in FIGS. 9-24 , and thereflective surface 1004 may be any type of metal or any type ofpolyester film having a coating of metal, such as Metallized DuraLar™,which consists of a polyester film with a thin coating of aluminum.Example metals that may be used in association with the reflectivesurface 1004 may include aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, nickel,silver, chrome plated steel, anodized aluminum, aluminum foil, or anyother type of metal. The reflective surface 1004 may also be stainlesssteel sheet metal with a brushed reflective surface finish. Other typesof materials that may be used in association with the reflective surface1004 may include Mylar®, high-density polyethylene with a reflectivecoating, metal mirrors, glass mirrors, acrylic mirrors, polycarbonatemirrors, and/or polished sheet metal made up of any of the types ofmetals referenced above. Although many types of materials have beendescribed in this paragraph, as well as throughout this disclosure, itis contemplated that any type of material that reflects or redirectslight can be used in association with the interior surfaces within theapparatus depicted in FIGS. 9-24 .

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus 900 illustrated in FIGS.9 and 10 . As shown, the doors of the apparatus 900 are in the openstate/configuration such that the interior cavity 1002 of the apparatus900 is visible and accessible. Also shown are the back sides of thefirst door 904 and the second door 906, the back side of the controlpanel 910, the power source 912, and the reflective surfaces 1004 of theinterior walls of the interior cavity. The interior cavity 1002 of theapparatus 900 may include one or more lighting components 1102(1) and1102(2). As discussed herein, the lighting components 1102 may emitlight (e.g., UV light, UVC light, etc.) that sanitizes/disinfectsobjects within the interior cavity of the apparatus 900. As referencedwith respect to FIG. 10 , the reflective surfaces 1004 within theinterior cavity 1002 may reflect the light such that the lightsanitizes/disinfects as many surfaces of the object as possible. Thelighting components 1102 may be of any number and may be situated at anylocation within the interior cavity 1002, such as on the interior walls,the back side of the doors, the ceiling, and/or the floor.

The lighting components 1102 referenced throughout this disclosure mayinclude ultraviolet (UV) lights, ultraviolet-C (UVC) lights, or anyother type of light that emits light (e.g., UV light, UVC light, etc.)that is sufficient to eliminate or destroy pathogens, bacteria, viruses,and so on. The size of the lighting components 1102 may vary such thatthe frequency and intensity of light output can be adjusted. That is,the size, type, and position of the lighting components 1102 may vary toemit light of a sufficient intensity at varying wavelengths. An examplewavelength may be 254 nanometers, which is highly damaging to nucleicacids and other pathogens, viruses, bacteria, etc., when they areexposed to light having that particular wavelength. However, otherwavelengths of light may also be utilized to disinfect and/or sanitizeobjects that are exposed to the light. The duration or amount of lightemitted towards an object to disinfect the object may be dependent uponthe variance of the lighting components (e.g., size, type, distancebetween lighting components and object, etc.).

The interior cavity 1002 may include any structural component 1104 inwhich the object(s) can be placed upon, hung from, draped over, etc.,and the type of structural component 1104 may be dependent upon the typeof object to be sanitized. As shown in FIG. 11 , the interior cavity1002 includes a bar (or rod, rail, etc.) that can be used to hangobjects to be sanitized. For instance, clothing items may be hung from(e.g., using a hanger) or draped over the bar. Any number of bars may beincluded within the interior cavity 1002 and the bar(s) may be placed atany location, orientation, configuration, angle, etc. Other structuralcomponents 1104 that may be used hold or support the objects may includehooks, nails, or pins attached to the interior walls, doors, or ceiling,a rack (e.g., a drying rack for clothing), a platform, a shelf, and soon. Any number, size, shape, type, etc. of the structural components1104 are contemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the lighting components 1102 may be detachablyaffixed within the interior cavity 1002 such that the lightingcomponents 1102 may be moved to different locations, shifted, rotated,moved to a different angle, etc. This may allow the lighting components1102 to be focused on the object to be sanitized based on the size,type, shape, etc. of the object. A frequency or wavelength of lightemitted by the lighting components 1102 may also be adjusted (e.g.,increased, decreased, etc.) prior to, or during, sanitization of theobjects. The lighting components 1102 may be removed from the interiorcavity 1002, or additional lighting components 1102 may be added to theinterior cavity 1002. Power may be supplied to the light components 1102by the power source 912 and/or one or more batteries.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial diagram of an apparatus 1200 that is used tosanitize and disinfect objects. As will described in additional detail,the apparatus 1200 is a conveyor table system having a conveyor thatpasses objects through a tunnel that includes one or more lamps thatemit light (e.g., UV light, UVC light, etc.) towards the objects. Thelight and radiation emitted by the lamps are able to destroy bacteria,viruses (including the DNA and RNA structure of viruses), and otherpathogens that may be harmful to humans. The apparatus 1200 is mobile innature and may be used as an on-demand sanitization station forindividuals, entities, organizations, etc. For instance, the apparatus1200 may be placed at entrances and/or exits to various indoor andoutdoor venues, such as buildings, schools, concerts, hospitals (andother medical facilities), government buildings, stadiums, and so on.Objects that may be sanitized by the apparatus 1200 may includebackpacks, handbags, PPE, electronic devices, loose clothing or othersoft materials, hand-held equipment, and other objects commonly touchedby people.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , the apparatus 1200 includes a housing 1202that encapsulates the interior components of the apparatus 1200. Thehousing 1202 may be of any type of material, such as any type of metal(e.g., stainless steel), wood, plastic, any synthetic or semi-syntheticpolymer material, or any other suitable rigid material. The housing 1202also includes a first side 1204 and a second side 1206, wheels 1208(1)and 1208(2) (the other two wheels not shown), and a conveyor 1210, suchas a conveyor belt.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 , the conveyor 1210 may move ina direction from the first side 1204 towards the second side 1206 suchthat an object is placed at the first side 1204 and transferred throughthe apparatus 1200 towards the second side 1206, where the object isremoved. Lighting components (e.g., UV lamps, UVC lamps, etc.) withinthe housing and between the first side 1204 and the second side 1206emit light (e.g., UV light, UVC light, etc.) toward the object as it ismoving via the conveyor 1210. The object has been sanitized/disinfectedonce the object has passed through the apparatus 1200, and then a usermay remove the object from the second side 1206 of the apparatus 1200.However, the conveyor 1210 can move in both directions such that objectsenter the apparatus 1200 at the second side 1206 and are removed fromthe apparatus 1200 from the first side 1204. The apparatus 1200 also mayor may not include wheels 1200, which may allow the apparatus 1200 to bemoved/wheeled to different locations. In FIG. 12 , the remaining twowheels 1208 are obscured by the housing 1202 of the apparatus 1200. Asdescribed in additional detail herein, the apparatus 1200 may include aUV curtain 1212 at the first side 1204 and/or the second side 1206 ofthe apparatus 1200. As described elsewhere herein, the UV curtain(s)1212 may block/prevent light from leaving the interior of the housing1202 since various frequencies of light can be harmful to individuals.

At any location on the housing 1202, the apparatus 1200 may include acontrol panel 1214 that is used to control operations associated withthe apparatus 1200. In FIG. 12 , the control panel 1214 is shown beinglocated on a side surface of the housing 1202. The control panel 1214may be affixed to the housing 1202 at any location and include a userinterface (or a graphical user interface), one or more buttons, sliders,levers, switches, etc. Using the control panel 1214, a user may start orstop the conveyor 1210, turn on/off the lighting components within theapparatus 1200, adjust a speed/rate and/or direction of the conveyor1210, adjust a frequency or wavelength of light emitted by the lightingcomponents, and so on. That is, using the control panel 1214, a user oroperator may cause the lighting components to emit light that willsanitize and disinfect the one or more objects that are passing throughthe apparatus 1200. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus 1200 maybe controlled by means other than the control panel 1214, such as aremote control, a mobile application residing on a device (e.g., amobile telephone, a tablet device, a desktop/laptop computer, etc.). Or,the control panel 1214 may be separate from the apparatus 1200, but beconnected to the apparatus 1200 via one or more wires, or may beconnected wirelessly (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular connection, etc.).In various embodiments, a power source may be associated with theapparatus 1200 in order to supply electric power for the lightingcomponents, the conveyor 1210, and/or the control panel 1214. The powersource may be a plug that is inserted into an outlet for electricalpower. However, in other embodiments, the apparatus may be operatedusing other types of power, including solar, a gas or diesel engine,propane, a battery, etc.

As either part of the control panel 1214 or separate from the controlpanel 1214, the apparatus 1200 may include an emergency button 1216 (orswitch, lever, etc.). When activated (e.g., pushed, pressed, switched,pulled, etc.), the emergency button 1216 may cause the lightingcomponents and/or the conveyor 1210 to cease operating. For instance, ifan object not intended to pass through the apparatus 1200 is found onthe conveyor 1210, if one of the UV curtains 1212 breaks or fails, or ifthe apparatus 1200 is operating in an unintended manner, a user may pushthe emergency button 1216 to cause the apparatus 1200 to ceaseoperating.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus 1200 illustrated in FIG.12 . As shown, the housing 1202 of the apparatus 1200 has been removedso that the internal/interior components of the apparatus 1200 can beseen. As in FIG. 12 , the apparatus 1200 continues to have a first side1204, a second side 1206, and a conveyor that extends from the firstside 1204 to the second side 1206. For instance, when an object isplaced at the first side 1204, the conveyor 1210 will transport theobject though the apparatus 1200 to the second side 1206, where thesanitized object will be removed from the apparatus 1200.

The depiction of the apparatus 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12 obfuscatesone or more lighting components 1302 (1302(1)-1302(5)) that are in theinterior of the apparatus 1200. The lighting components 1302 may be UVlamps, UVC lamps, or any other light/lamp that emits light in awavelength or frequency to sanitize (kill/remove pathogens, bacteria,viruses, etc.) objects. Although five separate lighting components 1302are shown in FIG. 13 , any number of lighting components 1302 arecontemplated herein.

The lighting components 1302 may be situated throughout the interior ofthe apparatus such that light emitted by the lighting components 1302 isdirected towards different surfaces of an object as the object istransported down the conveyor 1210. For instance, and as depicted inFIG. 13 , lighting components 1302(1) and 1302(1) are each locatedadjacent to the top surface of the housing 1202 and adjacent to a sidesurface of the housing 1202. Such overhead lighting components 1302allow for light to be directed towards the top and side surfaces of theobject passing through the apparatus 1200. Lighting components 1302(3)and 1302(5) are located adjacent to the side surfaces of the housing1202 and adjacent to the conveyor 1210, and lighting component 1302(4)is situated underneath the conveyor 1210 or in a gap of the conveyor1210. Such lighting components 1302 may emit light toward the sidesurfaces and the bottom surface of the object passing through theapparatus 1200. In this configuration/orientation of lighting components1302, light may be emitted by each of the lighting components 1302 suchthat different surfaces of the object passing through the apparatus 1200are exposed to sanitizing/disinfecting light.

In some embodiments, the lighting components 1102 may be detachablyaffixed/coupled within the interior cavity 1002 such that the lightingcomponents 1302 may be moved to different locations, shifted, rotated,moved to a different angle, etc. For instance, the lighting components1302 may be affixed to the interior of the apparatus 1200 via rails,brackets, or any other coupling mechanism that allows the lightingcomponents 1302 to move or allows the direction of the light emitted tobe adjusted. This may allow the lighting components 1302 to be focusedon the object to be sanitized based on the size, type, shape, etc. ofthe object. A frequency or wavelength of light emitted by the lightingcomponents 1302 may also be adjusted (e.g., increased, decreased, etc.)prior to, or during, sanitization of the objects. The lightingcomponents 1302 may be removed from the apparatus 1200, or additionallighting components 1302 may be added to the apparatus 1200. Power maybe supplied to the light components 1302 by and the conveyor 1210 by oneor more power sources.

FIG. 14 is a pictorial diagram of an apparatus 1400 used to sanitize oneor more objects placed therein. In some embodiments, the apparatus 1400may be a transportable bag, container, or box that uses UV light or UVClight to sanitize and disinfect objects of a smaller size. For instance,first responders, such as police officers and firefighters, are requiredto use different types of equipment on a daily basis and, as a result,pathogens (e.g., bacteria, protozoa, viruses, fungi, etc.) may betransferred between each other and their equipment. In order toeliminate the transfer of such pathogens, the apparatus may be kept inpolice cars, fire trucks, ambulances, etc. to quickly sanitize/disinfectsuch objects. Used and/or dirty equipment may be placed within theapparatus 1400 for a short period of time (e.g., around 30 seconds), andUV/UVC light emitted by UV/UVC lamps within the apparatus 1400 willsanitize such items. Upon being sanitized, the objects (e.g., tools,gear, medical equipment, etc.) would be immediately and safely ready forsubsequent use.

As illustrated in FIG. 14 , the apparatus 1400 includes a top surface1402, multiple side surfaces 1404, a lid 1406, one or more fasteners1408, and a handle 1410. In various embodiments, the apparatus 1400 maybe made of any material, including metal, wood, plastic, fabric, or anyother material that is sufficiently rigid. In other embodiments, theapparatus may be made of any type of non-rigid or semi-rigid material,such as fabric (e.g., canvas). Objects to be sanitized can be placedwithin the apparatus 1400, and sanitized objects can be removed theapparatus 1400, via the lid 1406. That is, the lid 1406 may be openedand closed to provide access to the interior cavity of the apparatus1400. As shown in FIG. 1400 , the lid 1406 is in the closedconfiguration/state.

The apparatus 1400 can be transitioned between an expanded state orconfiguration and an unexpanded or collapsed state/configuration. Whenin use (e.g., objects can be placed within the apparatus 1400 and besanitized), the apparatus 1400 is in the expanded state/configuration.From the expanded state/configuration, the apparatus 1400 may betransitioned to the unexpanded or collapsed configuration/state, whichmay provide for easier or more efficient transport and storage. Asillustrated in FIG. 14 , the apparatus 1400 is in an expanded state. Theinterior cavity of the apparatus 1400 may include a collapsiblestructure that includes one or more lighting components (e.g., lamps)that emit light (e.g., UV light, UVC light, etc.), which sanitizes theobject(s) included therein by destroying pathogens associated with theobject(s). The fasteners 1408 may be any type of mechanism that causesthe lid 1406 to remain closed, particularly when the apparatus 1400 iscurrently sanitizing one or more objects. The fasteners 1408 may includestraps, buckles, zippers, Velcro®, buttons, clips, ties (e.g., string orrope), or any other mechanism that will keep the lid 1406 in the closedconfiguration. The handle 1410 may be disposed on any exterior surfaceof the apparatus 1400 and is used to hold, lift, transport, etc. theapparatus 1400, whether the apparatus 1400 is in use or not. Theapparatus 1400 may have a single or multiple handles 1410, such as twohandles 1410 disposed on opposite sides of the apparatus such that theapparatus 1400 may be carried using two hands.

FIG. 15 is a pictorial diagram 1500 of a collapsible structure 1502 thatincludes one or more lighting components 1504 and one or more rollers1506. Although the apparatus 1400 illustrated in FIG. 14 is not depictedin FIG. 15 , the collapsible structure 1502 is located within theapparatus 1400 for the purpose of sanitizing objects that are placedwithin the apparatus 1400. The collapsible structure 1502 can betransitioned from an expanded state/configuration (depicted in FIG. 15 )to a collapsed or unexpanded state/configuration. That is, when theapparatus 1400 is in the expanded state, the collapsible structure 1502will also be in the expanded state. Then, when the apparatus 1400 is inthe collapsed or unexpanded state/configuration, the collapsiblestructure 1502 will also be in the collapsed or unexpandedstate/configuration. During the transition from the expanded state tothe unexpanded/collapsed state for the apparatus 1400, and vice versa,the rollers 1506 of the collapsible structure 1502 may allow thecollapsible structure 1502 to transition between the expanded state andthe unexpanded/collapsed state. In various embodiments, the rollers mayalternatively be wheels or a different mechanism that allows thecollapsible structure 1502 to transition (e.g., slide, roll, etc.)between the expanded and the unexpanded/collapsed state.

The collapsible structure 1502 may include one or more lightingcomponents 1504 (e.g., lamps or other lights) attached thereto that emitlight (e.g., UV light, UVC light, etc.). When an object is placed withinthe interior cavity of the apparatus 1400 and the lid 1406 of theapparatus 1400 is closed, the lighting components 1504 emit light thatsanitizes the object(s). Although four lighting components areillustrated in FIG. 15 , any number of lighting components 1504 arecontemplated herein. Moreover, the configuration and/or orientation ofthe lighting components on the collapsible structure 1502 may beadjusted or modified, and may be adjusted/modified based on a type,size, shape, etc. of the object(s) to be sanitized such that allsurfaces of the object(s) are exposed to light emitted by the lightingcomponents 1504.

FIG. 16 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus 1400 illustrated in FIG.14 . Unlike FIG. 14 , however, the apparatus 1400 depicted in FIG. 16has the lid 1406 in the open position or configuration. A user/operatorhas undone the fasteners 1408 in order to open the lid 1406, therebyrevealing, and providing access to, the interior cavity 1602 of theapparatus 1400. When the lid 1406 is in the open configuration/state,and when the apparatus 1400 is in the expanded state/configuration (asshown in FIG. 16 ), a user may place one or more objects to be sanitizedwithin the interior cavity 1602. As shown, the collapsible structure1502 that includes the one or more lighting components 1504 is withinthe interior cavity 1602 of the apparatus 1400. The object(s) may beplaced on a bottom surface within the interior cavity 1602, or theobject(s) may be placed upon, or hung from, the collapsible structure1502 itself or from/on one or more structural components within theinterior cavity 1602. Such structural components may include hangers,one or more bars/poles, racks, hooks/pins/nails, platforms, shelves, andany other mechanism in which object(s) may be hung from or place upon.After placing the object(s) within the interior cavity 1602, closing thelid 1406, and fastening the fasteners 1408, the object(s) may besanitized within the apparatus 1400. For instance, a user may turn onthe lighting components 1504 using a control mechanism, such as a userinterface, a switch, a button, a control panel, a mobile applicationresiding on a mobile device, etc. Such control mechanism may be locatedon the apparatus 1400, the collapsible structure 1502, and/or thelighting components 1504, the control mechanism may be connected to theapparatus 1400 via one or more wires, or the control mechanism may beconnected wirelessly to the apparatus 1400 (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth,etc.).

In some embodiments, the lighting components 1504 are powered on andpowered off via a power cord having a male end and female end. Eitherthe male end or the female end may protrude via the top portion of theapparatus 1400 and/or via a hole within an exterior surface of theapparatus 1400. The apparatus also has a main power cord that is pluggedinto any type of outlet, such as a wall outlet, a power strip, and soon. The main power cord enables the apparatus to be powered on/off as aresult of the male end and the female end of the power cord beingconnected.

The following example illustrates how an object is to be sanitized bythe apparatus 1400. Initially, the lighting components 1504 are enabledto be powered on/off by first plugging the main power cord into anoutlet. Provided that the apparatus 1400 is in the expandedconfiguration, and once one or more objects are placed within theinterior cavity 1602 of the apparatus 1400, the lid 1406 of theapparatus 1400 is closed and the fasteners 1408 are connected.Connecting the fasteners 1408 may help secure the lid 1406 in place.Then, in order to activate or power on the lighting components 1504, themale end and the female end of the power cord are connected. In someembodiments, the male end of the power cord is connected to the lid1406, while the female end of the power cord is connected to the frontlower center portion of the apparatus 1400, although the female end maybe connected to any side surface of the apparatus 1400. Once the maleend and the female end are connected to one another, the lightingcomponents 1504 will be powered on and will emit light towards theobject to be sanitized. In certain embodiments, the lid 1406 will needto be closed in order for the male end and the female end of the powercord to reach one another. To power off/disactivate the lightingcomponents 1504, and provided that the object(s) within the interiorcavity 1602 of the apparatus 1400 have been exposed to the light for thespecified duration of time and have been disinfected/sanitized, the maleand female end of the power cord are disconnected. This will power offthe lighting components 1504 such that no more light will be emitted.The object(s) within the interior cavity 1602 of the apparatus may beretrieved by undoing the fasteners 1408, opening the lid 1406, andremoving the object(s) from the interior cavity 1602.

FIG. 17 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus 1400 illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 16 . In FIG. 17 , the apparatus 1400 is shown from adifferent perspective/angle as compared to FIG. 16 . Here, FIG. 14depicts an overhead view of the apparatus 1400 such that the interiorcavity 1602 of the apparatus 1400 is visible. Within the interior cavity1602 is the collapsible structure 1502, which includes the lightingcomponents 1504. Similar to FIG. 16 , the lid 1406 of the apparatus 1400is in the open configuration/state, where an object to be sanitized maybe placed within the interior cavity 1602 of the apparatus 1400.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus 1400 as depicted in FIG.14 . In this embodiment, the apparatus is in the unexpanded or collapsedstate/configuration and, when in the unexpanded/collapsed state, theapparatus 1400 is unavailable to sanitize objects. However, to sanitizeobjects, the apparatus 1400 need only be transitioned from theunexpanded/collapsed state to the expanded state. As shown in FIG. 18 ,the lid 1406 of the apparatus 1400 is in the closed configuration andthe fasteners 1408 are fastened to prevent the lid 1406 from opening. Ifthe lid 1406 were to inadvertently open, the collapsible structure 1502and/or the lighting components 1504 could potentially fall out of theapparatus 1400 or otherwise become damaged. When the apparatus 1400 isin the collapsed/unexpanded state, the apparatus 1400 may be morecompact and easier to transport or store.

FIG. 19 is a pictorial diagram of the collapsible structure 1502 in thecollapsed/unexpanded state. For instance, the collapsible structure 1502may be in the collapsed/unexpanded state when the apparatus 1400 is inthe collapsed/unexpanded state, as depicted in FIG. 18 . Similar to FIG.15 , the collapsible structure 1502 includes the lighting components1504 and the rollers 1506, which allow the collapsible structure 1502 totransition from the expanded state to the collapsed/unexpanded state.When the collapsible structure 1502 is in the collapsed/unexpandedstate, the lighting components 1504 on the same side of the collapsiblestructure 1502 become stacked with respect one another, causing thecollapsible structure 1502 to become more compact.

FIG. 20 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus 1400 as shown in FIG. 18, where the apparatus 1400 and the collapsible structure 1502 within theinterior cavity 1602 of the apparatus 1400 are both in theunexpanded/collapsed state. In FIG. 20 , the lid 1406 is open to depictthe collapsible structure 1502, as well as the lighting components 1504,within the interior cavity 1602 of the apparatus 1400.

FIG. 21 is a pictorial diagram of an apparatus 2100 that is used tosanitize and disinfect objects. In particular, and although not shown inFIG. 21 , the apparatus 2100 includes an interior cavity that includesone or more lighting components (e.g., UV lamps, UVC lamps, etc.) thatemit light (e.g., UV light, UVC light, etc.) onto surfaces of objects tobe sanitized. As will be discussed herein, the apparatus 2100 may bemobile in nature, thereby allowing the apparatus 2100 to be movedbetween different locations. As a result, the apparatus 2100 may besuitable for sanitizing smaller items, such as PPE (e.g., face masks,face shields, safety glasses, exam gloves, head coverings, etc.),handheld objects, personal electronic devices, and so on. Provided thatthe object to be sanitized by the apparatus 2100 is PPE within a medicalfacility, the PPE may be reused by doctors, nurses, other personnel,etc., instead of having to be discarded after a single use. Since theapparatus 2100 may destroy/eliminate all, or nearly all, of viruses,bacteria, and other pathogens that are potentially harmful to humans,doctors, nurses, patients, and other personnel would be afforded greatersafety and protection as a result of use of the apparatus 2100.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 2100 may have a housing 2102 thatencapsulates an interior cavity of the apparatus 2100. The housing 2102may be made of any rigid material, including metal (e.g., stainlesssteel), plastic (or other polymer, synthetic, or semi-syntheticmaterials), wood, and so on. The apparatus 2100 may include one or moredoors that provide access to the interior cavity, such as a first door2104 and a second door 2106. As shown, the first door 2104 and thesecond door 2106 are disposed on opposite side surfaces of the apparatus2100 such that the interior cavity of the apparatus 2100 can be accessedfrom multiple sides. Although two doors are shown here, a single door ormore than two doors are contemplated herein, and the doors may bedisposed on any side surface of the apparatus 2100, a front/back surfaceof the apparatus 2100, and/or on a top surface of the apparatus 2100.The doors appear to occupy an entirety of a side surface of theapparatus, but the doors may also take up only a portion of a surface ofthe apparatus 2100, such as being similar to a window. Although notnecessary, each of the doors may include a door handle 2108 tofacilitate opening and/or closing of the doors. For the purposes ofFIGS. 21-24 , the doors of the apparatus 2100 are in a closedconfiguration/state.

The apparatus may also include control components 2110, which allow anuser/operator of the apparatus 2100 to turn on/off the lightingcomponents, to specify a duration in which the lighting components areactive (e.g., 30 seconds, one minute, five minutes, etc.), and/orspecify a frequency or wavelength of light emitted by the lightingcomponents. The control components 2110 may include a user interface,one or more switches, buttons, levers, etc., a control panel, a mobileapplication residing on a mobile device, etc. The control components2110 may be located on the apparatus 2100 at any location, may beconnected to the apparatus 2100 via one or more wires, or may beconnected wirelessly to the apparatus 2100 (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth,etc.). The apparatus 2100 may also have one or more wheels2112(1)-2112(3) (or another mechanism) that allows the apparatus 2100 tobe moved between different locations.

FIG. 22 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus 2100 as depicted in FIG.21 . However, in FIG. 22 , the doors of the apparatus 2100 (i.e., thefirst door 2104 and the second door 2106) are in the openconfiguration/state such that the interior cavity 2202 of the apparatus2100 is both visible and accessible. Within the interior cavity 2202 arethe one or more lighting components 2204. The lighting components may beUV or UVC lamps that emit UV or UVC light. An object to be sanitized(e.g., PPE) may be placed within the interior cavity 2202 of theapparatus. The object may be placed on a bottom surface within theinterior cavity 2202, or the object may be hung or placed upon some typeof structure, such as one or more hooks/nails/pins, rods/bars, shelfs,platforms, racks, and so on. Regardless of how or where the object isplaced within the interior cavity 2202, the lighting components 2204emit light that is directed to the different surfaces of the object,thereby sanitizing/disinfecting the object. Upon placing one or moreobjects within the interior cavity 2202 and closing the doors, thelighting components 2204 may be activated (e.g., turned on) via thecontrol components 2110 and the light emitted by the lighting components2204 will sanitize the object(s). Once sanitized, the lightingcomponents 2204 may be deactivated (e.g., turned off) and the object(s)may be removed from the apparatus 2100 via one or more of the first door2104 and the second door 2106.

The light components 2204 may be of any number (e.g., one, two, three,four, etc.) and may be disposed at any location within the interiorcavity 2202. For instance, and as depicted in FIG. 22 , each lightingcomponent 2204 may be disposed in a corner of the interior cavity 2202.For instance, two lighting components 2204 may be disposed in theinterior cavity 2202 in corners that are adjacent to the inner bottomsurface and the two inner side surfaces. Alternatively, or in addition,two lighting components 2204 may be disposed within the interior cavity2202 in corners that are adjacent to the top inner surface and the twoinner side surfaces. In that configuration, light may be emitted by thelighting components 2204 and toward the object(s) within the interiorcavity 2202 from different directions. As described elsewhere herein, aposition/location, angle, orientation, etc. of any one of the lightingcomponents 2202 may be moved or shifted, possibly based on the type,shape, size, etc., of the object(s) to be sanitized.

FIG. 23 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus 2100 depicted in FIGS.21 and 22 . Similar to FIG. 22 , the doors of the apparatus 2100 areshown in the open configuration. In addition, FIG. 23 depicts each ofthe lighting components 2204 when the lighting components 2204 aredisposed at each corner within the interior cavity 2202 of the apparatus2100. Each of the lighting components 2204 is disposed at an angle(e.g., approximately 45 degrees) such that light is emitted towards amiddle or center of the interior cavity 2202 where an object to besanitized would be placed, hung, draped, etc. The lighting components2204 may each have one or more bulbs, and two bulbs for each lightingcomponent 2204 are depicted in FIG. 23 . In some embodiments, lightingcomponents 2204 may be disposed and affixed to the inner surface of thefirst door 2104 and/or the second door 2106. Moreover, lightingcomponents 2204 may also be disposed on the inner side surfaces, theinner bottom surface, and/or the inner top surface of the interiorcavity 2202 in order to expose objects to even more light/radiation.

FIG. 24 is a pictorial diagram of the apparatus 2100 depicted in FIGS.21-23 . In FIG. 24 , the housing 2102 of the apparatus 2100 has beenremoved so that the interior cavity 2202 of the apparatus 2100 and thelighting component(s) 2204 within the interior cavity 2202 are morevisible. The first door 2104 and the second door 2106 are again shown inthe open configuration such that the interior cavity 2202 of theapparatus 2100 is visible and accessible. Similar to FIG. 23 , thelighting components 2204 are disposed in each corner of the interiorcavity 2202 and are angled towards the middle or center of the interiorcavity 2202. Objects to be sanitized may be placed on the inner bottomsurface of the interior cavity 2202, or they may be hung from, placedon, draped over, etc. any type of structural component, such as hooks,nails, platforms, shelves, racks, knobs, bars/poles, and so on.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms ofimplementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device configured to sanitize an object,comprising: a housing including one or more doors that, when in an openconfiguration, provide access to an interior cavity of the device; oneor more structural components, disposed within the interior cavity, thatare associated with the object; one or more lighting components,disposed within the interior cavity, that emit light toward the objectto sanitize the object; a reflective surface disposed on one or moreinterior walls within the interior cavity, the reflective surfacereflecting the light emitted by the one or more lighting components; anda power source configured to supply electric power to the one or morelighting components.
 2. The device as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a control panel, disposed on an exterior surface of the oneor more doors, that is used to control one or more operations associatedwith the device.
 3. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the one ormore operations relate to activating and deactivating the one or morelighting components and specifying a duration of time in which the oneor more lighting components emit the light.
 4. The device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the one or more structural components include (1) abar, rail, or hook in which the object is hung, or (2) a platform orrack in which the object is placed upon.
 5. The device as recited claim1, wherein the housing is made of a rigid material.
 6. The device asrecited in claim 1, wherein the one or more lighting components includemultiple ultraviolet (UV) lamps that emit UV light or multipleultraviolet-C (UVC) lamps that emit UVC light, and wherein the multipleUV lamps or the multiple UVC lamps are affixed to side surfaces withinthe interior cavity.
 7. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein thereflective surface is disposed on each side surface within the interiorcavity.
 8. A device configured to sanitize an object, comprising: ahousing including one or more doors that, when in an open configuration,provide access to an interior cavity of the device; one or morestructural components, disposed within the interior cavity, that supportthe object; a plurality of lighting components, disposed at differentlocations within the interior cavity, that emit light toward the objectto sanitize the object when the one or more doors are in a closedconfiguration; a reflective surface disposed on interior walls withinthe interior cavity, the reflective surface reflecting the light emittedby the plurality of lighting components; and a power source configuredto supply electric power to the plurality of lighting components.
 9. Thedevice as recited in claim 8, further comprising a control panel,disposed on an exterior surface of the housing, that is used to controlone or more operations associated with the device.
 10. The device asrecited in claim 9, wherein the one or more operations relate toactivating and deactivating the plurality of lighting components andspecifying a duration of time in which the plurality of lightingcomponents emit the light.
 11. The device as recited in claim 8, whereinthe one or more structural components include (1) a bar, rail, or hookin which the object is hung, or (2) a platform or rack in which theobject is placed upon.
 12. The device as recited claim 8, wherein thehousing is made of a rigid material.
 13. The device as recited in claim8, wherein the housing is made of a semi-rigid material.
 14. The deviceas recited in claim 8, wherein the plurality of lighting componentsinclude multiple ultraviolet (UV) lamps that emit UV light or multipleultraviolet-C (UVC) lamps that emit UVC light, and wherein the multipleUV lamps or the multiple UVC lamps are affixed to side surfaces and atop interior surface within the interior cavity.
 15. The device asrecited in claim 8, wherein the reflective surface is disposed on eachside surface within the interior cavity, an interior surface of the oneor more doors, and a top surface within the interior cavity.
 16. Amethod comprising: causing an object to be placed into an interiorcavity of a device via one or more doors associated with a housing ofthe device when the one or more doors are in an open configuration, theobject being associated with one or more structural components disposedwithin the interior cavity; and when the one or more doors are in aclosed configuration, causing one or more lighting components disposedwithin the interior cavity to emit light directed towards the object fora duration of time, the one or more lighting components being affixed toone or more interior walls within the interior cavity, and at least oneinterior wall of the one or more interior walls being a reflectivesurface that reflects the light emitted by the one or more lightingcomponents.
 17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the housingis made of a rigid material or a semi-rigid material.
 18. The method asrecited in claim 16, further comprising receiving, via a control paneldisposed on an exterior surface of the housing and while the one or moredoors are in the closed configuration, input to activate the one or morelighting components for the duration of time.
 19. The method as recitedin claim 16, wherein the one or more lighting components are UV lampsthat emit UV light or UVC lamps that emit UVC light.
 20. The method asrecited in claim 16, wherein the one or more structural componentsinclude (1) a bar, rail, or hook in which the object is hung, or (2) aplatform or rack in which the object is placed upon.